Although the Farm Stall at Halls in its current form is not a historical asset to the Lowveld, the legacy and landmark status is a sensitive and emotional issue for Lowvelders and tourists alike.
When the news broke last week of the possible demolition of the current complex, a social media hype of resistance erupted.
The driving force behind the current effort to try and save this iconic stall is Corné Lubbe, manager of the Farm Stall at Halls.
“We are quite aware that the building in its current form does not qualify for heritage status, as it was rebuilt in 1990. But the significance is the fact that the original farmstall was established 105 years ago,” says Lubbe.
“Even in its current form, the name Halls Farm Stall will always be instilled as a lifelong landmark in the Lowveld.”
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Currently, plans are afoot to sell the property on which the Shell garage, the farm stall, the Fever Tree Nursery and the TRAC and MTPA offices are located.
Sabine Walker, managing director of Halls Properties, confirmed they are in discussion with a development consortium with regards to the sale of the Gateway property.
“At this stage, it would be premature and irresponsible for us to provide any public comment on the likelihood of a sale. Final due diligence is still under way, and any definitive information will only be shared once the sale is confirmed. We are expecting this clarity at the end of November.”
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Walker said there has been no formal engagement with the tenants at this time as the sale has not become a reality.
“The property is undergoing a rezoning process to obtain additional retail rights and has already gone through the public participation process for the rezoning application,” she said.
“We would also like to assure you that our tenant leases, which are of varying periods, are protected in terms of the conditions of sale. We do expect that this development will bring positive investment opportunity and that it will improve the existing centre. It will provide a high level of convenience retail to the Mataffin community, the same level of convenience retail enjoyed in other suburbs throughout the city.”
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“It was an absolute shock when we found that the whole complex, including the facade of the current farm stall, would be demolished,” Lubbe told Lowvelder earlier.
“This development has the potential to financially destroy our smaller businesses. Many customers already indicated that they would not support the business any longer. We understand development means progress, but can’t they just incorporate the current facade into the development to at least keep the history alive?”
The original Halls Farm Stall building, which is no longer in existence, was opened with a great fanfare in 1918, barely two decades after the farming giant, Halls and Sons, started operating a subtropical farm in 1890.
Over the years, the Farm Stall at Halls became a well-known stopover for tourists and locals alike.
